Child weight by gender in Delaware

Why This Indicator Matters

Smart states are those that pay attention to effective policies and programs that would get communities in good shape. Experts agree that being healthy and fit in adulthood is largely determined by the communities that we live in and habits that we develop as children. When schools serve nutritious foods and invest time in physical education, they become learning environments that shape strong minds and bodies. When parents don't have access to healthy food because they live in a neighborhood where access to fresh produce and other healthy foods is limited, this makes it almost impossible to offer healthy diets at home. Initiatives such as community gardens can help make healthy food available to everyone. neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation center, sidewalks and libraries make it safer for children to engage in physical activity and serve as a vehicle for socializing, increased time outdoors and enhanced quality of life.

Footnotes:
The Delaware Survey of Children's Health (DSCH), sponsored by Nemours Children's Health System (Nemours) is one of the most comprehensive health surveillance instruments for Delaware children. This survey was developed by Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NHPS) to collect statewide, population-level data from parents of children birth through age 17. It provides valuable data on multiple aspects of children's health- including weight status (BMI), physical activity, healthy eating, health conditions and children's family and neighborhood environments. The NHPS Datacenter (datacenter.nemours.org) makes the results from the survey easily accessible to anyone interested in making data-driven decisions to improve children's health in Delaware.

Why This Indicator Matters

Smart states are those that pay attention to effective policies and programs that would get communities in good shape. Experts agree that being healthy and fit in adulthood is largely determined by the communities that we live in and habits that we develop as children. When schools serve nutritious foods and invest time in physical education, they become learning environments that shape strong minds and bodies. When parents don't have access to healthy food because they live in a neighborhood where access to fresh produce and other healthy foods is limited, this makes it almost impossible to offer healthy diets at home. Initiatives such as community gardens can help make healthy food available to everyone. neighborhood amenities such as parks, recreation center, sidewalks and libraries make it safer for children to engage in physical activity and serve as a vehicle for socializing, increased time outdoors and enhanced quality of life.

Footnotes:
The Delaware Survey of Children's Health (DSCH), sponsored by Nemours Children's Health System (Nemours) is one of the most comprehensive health surveillance instruments for Delaware children. This survey was developed by Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NHPS) to collect statewide, population-level data from parents of children birth through age 17. It provides valuable data on multiple aspects of children's health- including weight status (BMI), physical activity, healthy eating, health conditions and children's family and neighborhood environments. The NHPS Datacenter (datacenter.nemours.org) makes the results from the survey easily accessible to anyone interested in making data-driven decisions to improve children's health in Delaware.

KIDS COUNT in Delaware is housed in the Center for Community Research and Service at the University of Delaware and led by a board of committed and concerned child and family advocates from the public and private sectors. Our mission is to provide high-quality data about the well-being of children, youth, and families, and advocate for positive changes in policies, priorities, and programs.